HCU Honors Retiring Faculty/Staff at End-of-Year Celebration

At this year's End-of-the-Year Faculty/Staff Celebration, HCU administrators recognized retiring professors, Dr. Levon Hayrapetyan, Dr. Daniel Kramlich, and retiring staff member, Colette Cross, for their dedication to the University.

HCU President Robert Sloan presented Dr. Hayrapetyan, Professor of Business in the Archie W. Dunham College of Business and Dr. Kramlich, Professor of Music in the School of Fine Arts, with the rank of Emeritus Professor.

The rank of emeritus professor is reserved for faculty who have served in full-time, active employment for a minimum of 10 years with a clear evidence of outstanding teaching and a recognized record of meritorious professional achievement, growth and development, shared Dr. Stanley Napper, HCU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs during the celebration.

Dr. Hayrapetyan, a past Piper Professor and Teaching Excellence International Award recipient, received the prestigious ranking of emeritus professor for 25 years of distinguished service as a professor and faculty leader at HCU. He was commended for serving seven years as department chair and on 33 university committees, and for modeling humility and diligence in service to the University, among other achievements.

Dr. Kramlich received the prestigious ranking of emeritus professor for his reputation as an excellent instructor who imparts a love for excellent music with humor, enthusiasm and wisdom during his over four decades of distinguished service at HCU. A recipient of multiple Piper Professor and Opal Goolsby Professor nominations, he was also received the special recognition for his achievements in scholarship and composition, including dozens of original works and published arrangements which have garnered five Grammy nominations.

Colette Cross, Director of Discipleship in Student Life in the Office of the Provost, was honored for 24 years of dedicated service to the University. She has served in numerous capacities during her time at the University, including Director of Baptist Student Ministry and Director of Spiritual Life, and initiated many programs to enhance the spiritual development of countless students.

"You have been a marvelous example to us of what it means to be a child of God, of what it means to be a daughter of the King, and what it means to speak on behalf of the Lord in crucial moments in the lives of all of us," said Dr. Sloan.

Dr. Sloan also expressed appreciation to Cross for the words of encouragement offered to faculty and staff through the years.

"Everyone who knows you, knows of your love of the Lord and your love of people," said Dr. Sloan. "I'm sure others, many of us, have received those unexpected notes from you of prayer and encouragement."

Each honoree received a framed proclamation for their dedicated service and commitment to the University.